10 Best Travel Ideas For Elderly Parents And Family In India:- Most of us do not include our elderly parents in family trips. It is quite obvious that everyone has their own reasons. It could range from their old age, inability to travel to simply their lack of interest to explore something new. Well, honestly, to escape their ill health and despondent state of mind your aging parents need a vacation or two; and since we live in a diverse country like India, with your aging parents, you can never be out of choice for planning a trip.
Our selection is based on the relaxing environment, accommodation, amazing places and holiness.
Here are some of the best 10 travel ideas you can go along with your parents.
1) Shirdi
Spirituality is something that always clicks with aging people. That is why there can be no better place for holidaying with your elderly parents than Shirdi which is located in the state of Maharashtra. Shirdi is a perfect spiritual escape for you and your parents since it is a quite little town with bustling pilgrims and spiritual ambiance. Hotels in Shirdi are available in every budget, although you will not find a 5 Star hotel here. One can look out for good 4 star accommodation options here and other than there are some comfy budget hotels here as well. You can explore the surroundings of Shirdi as well, if your parents are willing. Alandi, Shegaon, Trimbakeshwar, Sakori, Shanisinghnapur, Nashik and Ajanta and Ellora Caves are the places of interest near Shirdi.
2) Madurai
By the River Vaigai, Madurai stands humbly, offering indescribable peace and rejuvenation of the mind body and soul. Yet another destination that is ideal for holiday with elderly parents, is Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It is indeed a perfect holiday getaway, since the place is known for the majestic Meenakshi Temple, impressive architecture and holy environment.
Besides Meenakshi Temple, you can visit Alagar Koil, Gandhi Museum, Koodal Azhagar Shrine, Thirupparankundram, Tirumalai Nayakar Mahal and Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam along with your parents. Depending upon your budget and convenience you can pick your choice, as there are fewer luxury hotels and more budget hotels here.
3) Thekkady
Elderly people want to spend their time in peace; as a matter of fact, most of us also require some lone time at some point or the other in life. Thekkady in Kerala is one such place that cater to our need of spending some quiet and quality time. Part of the Periyar National Park, Thekkady is bestowed with the beauty of lush green forests, unending chains of hills while the traces of diverse wildlife shall give those wrinkled eyes something to widen their size.
In Thekkady, there are a large number of hotels and the range is between luxury class and budget hotels. You can expect a comfortable and leisurely stay here, as most of the hotels are within budget.
4) Munnar
Munnar is believed to be an ideal place for a holiday escape. Anyone can be convinced to plan a holiday in Munnar in Kerala due to the rhapsodic landscape and the pristine ambiance. Pursue your aging parents to take up this holiday with you for a quite little hill station with undulated hills.
Here, the accommodation options are splendid and you shall be spoilt for choices. Whereas on one hand luxury hotels and resorts prefer an out and out memorable stay, the budget hotels on the other hand by no means compromise with the comfort of the guests. The luxury can be defined here by the scenic views from the window of each hotel.
5) Varanasi
The name of Varanasi conjures up image of Ganga ghats that are often thronged by colorful Sadhus and other pilgrims, the slow paced water of Ganga that is regularly sailed by wooded boats, the evening Ganga Aarti and the enchantment of Mantras. Varanasi is a ‘SHOW’ in all senses. It is definitely one of the best places to go on a holiday with elderly parents in India, because of its divine air. For many devotees, Varanasi is nothing short of a dream destination.
You can visit along with them to temples like Durga temple, Vishwanath temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Tulsi Manas temple and the Bharat Mata temple and let them also attend the Ganga Aarti in the evening. An early morning boat ride from one ghat to another is also recommended for them, to keep things simple yet interesting for them.
There are many hotels in Varanasi but the best hotel would be the one that offers a closer view of some or the other ghats and of course offers good services.
6) Haridwar
If you are in North India, Haridwar is the best choice for a family getaway as it is easy to reach. Your parents will surely like the sacred vibe of the city, which is flecked with a number of temples and surrounded by a chain of hills. If you avoid the month of June, moderate climate will also be an advantage here.
Take your parents for the evening Aarti at the ghat and to Har Ki Pauri for a superficial dip in the holy water of Ganges. Accommodation is good at Haridwar and without burning a hole in your pocket, you can easily book in to a comfortable hotel.
7) Manali
At their greying age, Manali can still be a great place to go with them. The weather and altitude can be a challenge, still Manali in Himachal Pradesh would be a great holiday option. The mysterious healing powers of the hills can be a boon for your parents; the fresh air and the unpolluted surrounding would lend them a couple of years and put the string back in their steps. Nature walks are absolutely a must at Manali. Visit the Mall road and the famous Hadimba Temple in Manali.
Although accommodation is an expensive affair, Manali is full with hotels. You can still manage to get a decent comfortable hotel here. It is best to avoid planning a trip during winters and monsoon. The best time to visit Manali is April to June.
8) Darjeeling
Whatever goes for Manali in terms of beauty and the power of nature applies to Darjeeling, the beautiful hill station of West Bengal as well. This is yet another ideal destination for a holiday with elderly parents. The view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga and the jade green rolling hills are what keeps Darjeeling alive in the memories of those who have visited here.
To give them a pinch of thrilling experience, make sure you take them on a toy train ride. They also would like to walk around the city and visit places like Tiger Hill, Ghoom monastery, Batasia Loop and Senchal Lake. All these places can easily be reached by a vehicle.
Darjeeling also has a large number of hotels that range from luxury to budget, so one can freely choose the type of hotel that suits one the best.
9) Agra
Get a beautiful picture done in front of the impeccable Taj Mahal. Just about everyone in the world wants to see the Taj Mahal and what greater feeling it would be than to see it with people whom you love the most! Thanks to Yamuna Expressway, that Agra now is only 2.5hrs to 3hrs away from Delhi. The place can be a great getaway with your parents.
Other than the majestic Taj, you can visit Agra Fort, Sikandra and if your parents show interest, then Fatehpur Sikri can also be included in the list.
At Agra, accommodation is easy and you can book most of the 3 stars hotel at reasonable prices. If budget is not a concern, there are a number of luxury hotels also to choose from.
10) Jaipur
One can find the majestic structures, cultural extravaganza and delightful hospitality, in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Jaipur would be a great place to witness the colorful culture for your aged parents. Besides visiting Amber Fort, City Palace, Nahargarh Fort and Hawa Mahal, take your parents to watch a folk dance and puppet show.
Hotels are available in plenty, ranging from luxury to budget in Jaipur. You have the choice of booking at the one that best suits you. It is advisable not to travel in summer to this place. The best time to visit Jaipur would be the months between November and February, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant.
- Hampi, Shimla, Pushkar, Udaipur, Goa, Kodaikanal, Coorg, Ooty, Dwarka, Nainital are also the other places you can visit with your family.
SUPRAJA